Ireland itinerary

I liked Dingle in the Southwest of Ireland the best. I also loved Kinsale and Cobh in the south.

Thanks! I was thinking about going there

I am in the process of planning the exact same trip in August! So far I have found several places to visit. Here is my itinerary, but keep in mind I'm interested in ruins, castles, scenery, and of course pubs and shops. Not so much the touristy things, although we will be going to one of the castle banquets. Shannon to Clonakilty, Killanery, Dingle, Galway, Aran Islands, Westport, Dublin. This route will take you south from Shannon into Clonakilty and then up the coast into westport, from there you can take the train to Hueston Station in Dublin. This way you get to see the coast and Dublin without really having to drive into the cities. We are picking up the car in Shannon and dropping it off in Westport before catching the train. We have less time than you because from Dublin we'll fly to Inverness in Scotland. But you can add places along the way or stay a few nights in one place. Generally I found this to be the best route if you want to stay off the main roads and not drive fours hours to one place everyday. I think the most time between any two places listed was 2.5 hours. Hope this helps.

Thank you soo much. That really helps me out! I am interested in seeing a lot of what you listed and not so much the touristy spots. I really just want to take in the whole country side and do it at my own pace.
I have done some research and feel that Ireland is the best for me as I am traveling alone

We toured Ireland in September 2008. Stayed a week in Kinsale and a week in Ventry (near Dingle Town) we used cottages for these, but then used B&Bs for a week up the west coast. someone mentioned Clonakilty. A neat little town. Timoleague abbey is worth a visit. We went to Baltimore. Beautiful views over teh bay and islands. There are some stone circles in the south also. Galway is a good centre. We stayed 2 nights at Salthill on Galway Bay.

Driving is an adventure. My sister drove - she lives in Scotland and is used to narrow roads, but even she commenetd more than once that she did not mind the narrowness or the twisting road, but when the road twisted and the camber went the wrong way, she was uncomfortable! The roads really ARE narrow and, in places, rough in the west, but the scenery is wonderful.

I really appreciate all of the help. I have been checking into some places to stay in the areas listed.

My husband and I did a 2 1/2 week tour of Ireland by ourselves driving. Although we drive manuals here in the US, we rented an automatic. It costs much more but diffently worth it because your trying to remember to drive on the left, watch traffic, and figure out where your going. We have booked through www.kemwel.com (they are out of Portland Maine)for our trips to Ireland and 3 to Italy plus our one to England. I found them to be cheaper and great service. Suggestions for places to stay. If your flying out of Shannon stay in Bunratty at the Avarest B & B, Dingle at Emlagh Lodge B & B, Kinsale at Cloisters B & B, Kenmare at Abbeycourt,Joy's Rockside B & B in Cashel and Boulevard Guesthouse in Westport. We stayed only 1 night in Dingle-wish we stayed two..spent 2 nights in Doolin and wish we did. These B & B's were excellent! The Irish tourist board sent me a bed and breakfast book as well as a driving map for free-check them out on the web. Kilkenny Castle, Rock of Cashel, Cliffs of Moher, The Burren landscape, KyleAbbey, Ring of Dingle, Ringle of Kerry-all great. Went to a medevil feast in The Barn at Bunratty castle. Very good meal and Irish music and dance. Print of routes on Mapquest.com and compare them to the driving map plus if you email the B&B your staying they are helpful in giving directions. Don't be afraid, you'll have a great time. Pick a town to take a day to relax because drving will catch up with you. Enjoy the people and the land.

Jen,

My wife and I spent two weeks driving through Ireland last May. I did all the driving and it was quite tiring. My number one tip would be to not try to do too much. You will be much happier if you allow yourself to travel at a moderate pace. That way you can stop if you see something interesting, or just linger over lunch. It will also give you leeway if travelling takes longer than you expected (as it often does in Ireland) or you get lost.

An automatic is worth the money, and the smaller the car the better.

The general arc of Kay's itinerary would probably work well for you, esp. since you have more time. You could fly to Shannon, drive to Kinsale, head to Kenmare, drive the Ring of Kerry, pass through Killarney National Park on your way to Dingle, spend a few nights there before heading up to County Clare (Cliffs of Moher and the Burren) and Galway. Spend your last night at a B&B near Shannon so that you won't have to rush to get to your flight home.

Milestone House in Dingle is a great place to stay, esp. for your first trip to Dingle. The Carrolls will bring you up to speed on everything that's happening and make sure that you have a great time.

There are lots of B&Bs in Kinsale. We stayed at Harbour Hill Farm, which had great views of the countryside.

Check out Rick's guide for B&Bs. You can also search online. Bedandbreakfastireland has a pretty good list, IIRC.

Best of luck.

These are the B&B's we stayed in last June and would reccommend to you for helpful, friendly host, clean comfortable rooms and great breakfasts. Cashel: Joy's Rockside B&B - next to Rock of Cashel ( a must see). Kinsale: Woodlands House B&B. Kenmare: Abbey Court B&B ( tho we stayed in the APT and did not eat Breakfast - so can't speak to that) Dingle: Lighthouse B&B. Doolin: Churchfield B&B. Galway: Petra House B&B. Bunratty: Bunratty Castle Mews B&B --by far the friendliest host -- and the rest were all very nice too!

Buy an Ordinance Survey Complete Atlas of Ireland from Amazon.com now. This will help you plan and then drive when you get there. Tho getting lost is half the fun and the Irish are great for helping with directions. You will have a great time exploring Ireland.

I stayed at the Sea Breeze Lodge in Galway...it was pretty nice. The owner plays the piano sometimes. Also, stayed at the Waters Edge Hotel in Cobh...very small hotel. From Cobh, we drove to the Ring of Kerry and on up to Galway. We got stuck in rush traffic jam in Limerick on the way.

Driving on the left side was not as bad as I thought it would be. Although, I did turn the wrong way 1 time at a roundabout but there were no cars coming. It was fun most of the time driving. Some of the roads were pretty "exciting" 100km with stone walls right next you and not very many of them straight!

Hi Jen in Chattanooga, I'm Jeni in Nashville. I'm planning a similar trip for September. I hope we both have a great time!

Jen,
Here is our favorite B&B in Ireland. http://www.bedandbreakfastireland.net/Kerry_Duinin_Hse.htm

It's located just a km from Dingle on the Connor Pass Road. The proprietors, Pat and Ann, are great. My wife and I have stayed there twice. We discovered it in 1999 on our first trip and stayed there again in 2005. The breakfasts are outstanding. They actually have a printed menu, which is rare in b&b's. If you like hot cereal, I highly recommend the porridge served with Bailey's Irish Cream. And if you are a coffee person, they offer French pressed coffee. Most places only have instant (Nescafe).

You will not have a difficult time getting a b&b, they seem to be everywhere.

We found the Irish people very wonderful and helpful....sometimes a little difficult to understand unless they speak slowly, but all in all very great people.

As for sightseeing, Rick's books & videos are a great start and you have plenty of time to plan. A few of our favorites are Trinity College (Book of Kells), Glendalough, Clonmacnoise, Cliffs of Moher, Beara Peninsula, any/all of the castles.

Driving alone will be a challenge. (A navigator/second driver is a great relief) If possible, get a GPS. Driving the backroads (usually how you get to any of the sites) is sloooowwww. Yes, they are narrow, too. Sometimes you will encounter either hedge rows, rockwalls or a combination of both, next to the pavement. You will have close encounters with lorries and fast moving residents.

Just take your time and you will have a great experience. I will research our info and send a PM.